How Do I Cure Painful, Embarrassing Folliculitis on Back of Thighs and Buttocks?
asked 1 year ago by JHarks in Chicago
Latest answer by Robert Kasten, MD
Question viewed 839 times
Tags: buttocks, thighs, folliculitis, ingrown hair
I have had what I thought was acne on my buttocks for many years. It is embarrassing and unattractive, as well as painful. Recently(last year), I have developed very painful and embarrassing ingrown hairs on the back of my thighs, which led me to my dermatologist. She diagnosed me with folliculitis and has prescribed foams, creams and other remedies, but to no avail. She has recommended laser hair removal, but I can't afford it. Is there an at-home laser hair removal system you would recommend?
5 answers to How Do I Cure Painful, Embarrassing Folliculitis on Back of Thighs and Buttocks?
+1
Treatment of folliculitis - Behandlung von entzündeten Haaren
The best treatment would be to eliminate the ingrown hairs. Antibiotic creams or a disinfecting scrub may provide temporary relief.
Die beste Methode gegen eingewachsene Haare ist die Entfernung der Haare mit Laser oder IPL. Antibiotische Cremes oder desinfizierende Lösungen können auch eine vorübergehende Besserung bringen.
Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
Laser hair removal for pseudofolliculitis
the dermatologist may have a difficult time distinguishing between true bacterial folliculitis and ingrown hair-induced folliculitis (pseudofolliculitis). If it is the mechanical problem of the curved hairshaft digging back down into the dermis which then creates the inflammation, then laser hair removal is the absolute best treatment.
+1
Folliculitis improves with just a couple of laser sessions
I know Laser Hair removal sounds expensive, but just a couple of sessions should reduce the coarser hairs that are curving into the skin, causing the folliculitis. I have seen no at home method work, so do not waste the few dollars that could toward an effective treatment. I assume Tazorac cream and Evoclin foam have been tried?
+1
Suggestions
Agree that it is very doubtful this is acne, wilthout rather severe acne elsewhere.
If you have a job in which you are sitting for long periods of time: desk job, truck driver, airline pilot etc., your folliculitis might be worsened by the mositure this constant position creates. I would try Cleocin solution, which will kill bacteria and dry up the area.
Other thoughts: the folliculitis shold be cultured to identify the culprit and to be sure it might not be a Candida folliculitis....
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Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1
In grown hairs and folliculitis
These at-home hair removal systems may be more affordable but they are difficult to evaluate since they do not fall under our review. Perhaps consumer reports should do a review of these. Laser hair removal sounds to be your best option. Alternatives include electrolysis. Hair removal creams are not likely to offer much benefit since they do not treat the follicle. Performing routing exfoliation may be beneficial.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon